Salmon Creek

North Bank trail

There are two sides to the Salmon Creek trail, the North and South side. Sometimes during winter and spring the South side of the Salmon Creek trail can be flooded, so if that’s the case hike the North side towards Salmon Creek Campground. (If you want to do the South side of the river hike, see directions to the trail head below, as they are different than the South side). ​The first few hundred feet of the hike are nothing spectacular, and you can see that this is probably the area where the Oakridge youth come to goof off. You are walking right next to a railway line and there is spray paint on the wall, as well as trash in the bushes. But once you come up to the main trail, you can take a small trail to the right and go look at the impressive railroad bridge over the river. It does make for some neat photos.

Once you hike along Salmon Creek a little farther it becomes a beautiful lush green trail. It doesn't matter how yucky the weather is, you will see people on this hike. There are lots of Oakridge residents who walk their dogs on this trail, as well as lots of mountain bikers who like to make the South and North bank trails a loop.

The great part of this trail is that you can make it as long or as short of a hike as you want to. Because it is so close to Oakridge, you are not necessarily committed to hours of hiking. And if you're hiking with small children, this trail is great because it is well maintained and very flat. There are no big elevation undulations that would make this a challenging hike in any way.

The entire trail is very beautiful, however there is a mile long section where you are walking on an old gravel road. This part is farther away from the river, and you are surrounded by younger trees. This section just doesn't have as much character and there is not much to look at. But at this point you are very close to Salmon Creek Campground. If your destination is the campground, be careful, because in the winter due to very high water in the river, it can wash out part of the trail.

Overall, this easy but scenic hike is highly recommended. This is the perfect place to take your children and possibly even see some wildlife like bald eagles, deer and things like salamanders and huge slugs along the trail. If you are into nature photography, even just macro photos of moss, beautiful leaves, etc. there is ample opportunity for this along the trail. This hike is definitely for all ages and experience levels, and it will make anyone get out even more after seeing the beauty and strength of the river.

Directions: To the North shore trail head: At the only stop light in the town of Oakridge turn onto Railroad Ave. which turns into Salmon Creek Rd. Head down this road for 1.2 miles until you see a pullout to your right. Here at the beginning of Flat Creek Rd. you will see signs for the trail head.To the South shore trail head: From Hwy 58 turn North onto Fish Hatchery Rd. Right after the Fish Hatchery and before the road crosses the river, you will see a logging road to your right. Drive down this road to its end and start the South shore trail. This trail will be 5.6 miles round trip. (Towards the end of the trail there is a steep switchback section away from the river).

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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer

*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.